Character Qualities

When Jesus told his disciples to seek first His kingdom, He added, “and His righteousness.” His righteousness is revealed through the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we meditate on Christ’s commands, He will use them to develop His character in us.

By studying related character qualities, we not only understand the command better but we also understand more about Christ, Who is the full personification of character. Jesus is spoken of in Scripture as the “express image” of God. (See Hebrews 1:3.) The Greek word for express image is charakter from which we get our English word character. It refers to an exact representation.

There are at least three important reasons why we should focus on understanding and developing specific character qualities.

Every quality personifies Christ. Jesus Christ is the full expression of every positive character quality. He is truth, love, forgiveness, gentleness, generosity, patience, kindness, and every other quality.

Character explains why things happen. God promises that all things work together for good to those who love God, because they conform us to the image of Christ. (See Romans 8:28–29) If we are lacking in a particular character quality, God will often allow circumstances and even tragedies to develop that quality in us. David said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71.)

Qualities are needed to praise others. We are commanded to encourage and exhort one another on a regular basis. One of the most effective ways to do this is to recognize positive qualities exhibited in the life of another and praise him for it. In order to do this, we must be able to identify specific character qualities and give their definitions.

Daily Success participants will have access to online information covering 49 character qualities that are byproducts of meditating on the commands of Christ.